RWBY – An Anime Phenomenon Worth Your Time

It is said that anime is made of dreams.

The world of anime, much like any medium, is vast and ever growing with the creations of new worlds, characters and tales to be told. It goes without saying that anime is different from western series, and to point out every single difference is impossible as you would have to specifically use particular series as examples. The way things are approached and even the feelings that resonate are different in a sense. I am not sure I can even really convey what it is, perhaps it is something that one has to experience on their own.

Even with the different sides to the medium, they do share various aspects. And sometimes they even collide with heavy influences to the other. Nick’s massively successful series Avatar: The Last Airbender and later the Legend of Korra are two examples of this.  The other- a little series known as RWBY.

Okay, little is incorrect. Ever since the web series appeared back in July of 2013 RWBY has gathered a large and passionate following of fans. The series produced by Rooster Teeth is a genius blend of action, adventure and science fantasy that quickly becomes addicting.

Referred to as one of the few American animes, RWBY is set in a world known as Remnant filled with supernatural forces and creatures known as Creatures of Grimm. These said creatures offered up a struggle to mankind and it was only thanks to a mysterious element known as Dust where humans able to fight back. Even long after the struggle there is still the looming danger in the shadows, Huntsman and Huntresses (those with powers) aided by Dust use their force to battle.

But like any other great warriors, they must train and prepare themselves for the road ahead. And Beacon Academy is an important step to achieving the dream of becoming someone that will assure piece for all. The story mainly focuses on four students of the school; Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long, or as they are known- Team RWBY. Together the four strive towards their dream of being Huntresses, confront the dangers of their world and work past their own personal conflicts.

With strong characters that cosplayers flocked to and often are seen at conventions, and action filled adventure RWBY proves to be a hit among females and males. Fans love and have a deep bond for the series and those associated with it.

Back towards the start of the year devastating news of hospitalization and later death of series creator and writer Monyreak “Monty” Oum shook fans and even people outside the fandom to the core. At the time of this I had not even seen the series, nor known of it, but found myself shaken.

It was due to this devastating news that fans not only found themselves in a place or morning, but also concerned for the future of the series. Question rose if it would continue on, or would the already completed volume two be all that was. But the team behind RWBY bare such strong commitment to the series and forged on for a third volume- that has officially arrived. And fans have rejoiced.

Even though RWBY is still somewhat at the start where narrative is concerned, it is a great series. The team behind it all has done a great deal of setting frame work for the world they have crafted and foreshadowed what might come next for our band of Hunters as they continue on in their journey. Volume three’s start already gives fans a clear sign that things might be taking a darker twist than before. And with Roosters Teeth noting they are not where near ready to stop we can expect a lot of RWBY to come.

Even if you are not a fan of anime or things that have a heavy level of influence with the medium, RWBY is still worth a go. I know that there are some that might struggle to get past the animation style, but if you can a gem awaits. RWBY opens a door to a world both glorious and dangerous as fighting is a part of life. It is a rather interesting place. If you love series with a lot of action and battles this if for you.

The first two volumes are up on Roosters Teeth’s web-site, Crunchyroll and Netflix. New episodes of volume three are live on Roosters Teeth for members on Saturdays and later on Sunday on Crunchyroll.

Join the conversation: Fans of RWBY, what is your take on the new volume?